“The reason why it is important to think clearly about sin is manifold. But, in particular, to think clearly about sin helps you to think clearly about salvation and the Savior. The problem that is addressed by the Bible storyline is the problem of sin. And the solution that is presented in the coming of Christ and in his work must match the problem itself. If the fundamental problem of humankind is bad economics, then what we need is a superb economist. If the supreme need of humankind is good health, then what we need is superb medical facilities.
But if the supreme problem is sin, then what we need is a salvation that addresses sin, not only the concrete acts of rebellion, but all of its effects including alienation and suffering and sickness and war and hate and finally death itself and hell. The notion of sin in Scripture is the notion of what is wrong with the universe and, therefore, constitutes what it is that God is sending his Son to address.”
- DA Carson
Prayer
Healed from what?
Mark 2:9-11
9 Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, take up your bed and walk’? 10 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic—11 “I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.”
We’re still in the Gospel of Mark
Remember Gospel is good news, not just good advice
Mark 2:1-12 is our passage. Let’s read it together
Mark 2:1-12
Jesus Heals a Paralytic
[1] And when he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. [2] And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And he was preaching the word to them. [3] And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. [4] And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay. [5] And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” [6] Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, [7] “Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” [8] And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, “Why do you question these things in your hearts? [9] Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, take up your bed and walk’? [10] But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic—[11] “I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.” [12] And he rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”
So Mark 1 tells us about Jesus’ coming. His baptism, His temptation in the desert, His calling of disciples (to follow him) and intertwined are these miraculous healings and the casting out of demons.
I will remind you that Mark is about the actions of Jesus. Yes, it certainly tells us his lessons and sermons, but Mark’s focus is on the action (immediately is used over and over).
Here in Mark 2 we have this interesting event that combines the healing wanted from a human perspective with the healing needed from a Godly perspective.
Let me read to you the DA Carson Quote again
“The reason why it is important to think clearly about sin is manifold. But, in particular, to think clearly about sin helps you to think clearly about salvation and the Savior. The problem that is addressed by the Bible storyline is the problem of sin. And the solution that is presented in the coming of Christ and in his work must match the problem itself. If the fundamental problem of humankind is bad economics, then what we need is a superb economist. If the supreme need of humankind is good health, then what we need is superb medical facilities.
But if the supreme problem is sin, then what we need is a salvation that addresses sin, not only the concrete acts of rebellion, but all of its effects including alienation and suffering and sickness and war and hate and finally death itself and hell. The notion of sin in Scripture is the notion of what is wrong with the universe and, therefore, constitutes what it is that God is sending his Son to address.”
- DA Carson
So Carson points out what Jesus is saying in the passage. Let’s look closely at the order of events and how Jesus addresses the doubts.
- We have a man paralyzed (clear physical issue)
- We have friends willing to help (literally do anything for him)
First thing once they drop him through the roof.
- Jesus then says? “Get up an walk?” …..NOPE
He says “Son, your sins are forgiven.” V 5
- Many seem to question this v 6-8
Mark 2:6-8
[6] Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, [7] “Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” [8] And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, “Why do you question these things in your hearts?
What does that tell you about God’s priority for you? For me? For mankind?
Tim Keller says it this way.
“Jesus is saying to him, “I understand your problems. I have seen your suffering. I’m going to get to that. But please realize that the main problem in a person’s life is never his suffering; it’s his sin.” If you find Jesus’s response offensive, please at least consider this: if someone says to you, “The main problem in your life is not what’s happened to you, not what people have done to you; your main problem is the way you’ve responded to that”—— ironically, that’s empowering. Why? Because you can’t do very much about what’s happened to you or about what other people are doing—but you can do something about yourself. When the Bible talks about sin, it is not only referring to the bad things we do. It’s not just lying or lust or whatever the case may be—sin is ignoring God in the world he has made; it’s rebelling against him by living without reference to him. It’s saying, “I will decide exactly how I live my life.” And Jesus says that’s our main problem.”
(Adam and Eve)
- Next Jesus’ power is validated and recognized in verses 11-12
Mark 2:11-12
[11] “I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.” [12] And he rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”
But look with me at this small part of a verse back in the middle of v 10
Mark 2:10
[10] But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic—
He’s saying here. Jesus is saying. God is saying. “Now you should know”
I can do this (physical healing)
and if I can do this and you see it…then I can do whatever else I say that I can do.
I can forgive you of your sins.
I think that is the message that God has for you and me today here.
You see Jesus here already has healed a leper, cast out demons, and now made a lame man walk. Maybe you don’t believe any of that and think it’s just part of a nice story they cooked up.
If they cooked that up, then why were the religious leaders scared and jealous of him? So much that they crucified him?
How is it that to this day His name evokes a response (good or bad).
It’s because it happened. Jesus was born and lived this life we read about to heal the sick, make the lame walk, die on the cross for our sins and was resurrected on the third day to sit on the right hand of the Father. You see He set the captives free.
My question for you today is do you feel that freedom? Have you been healed from those old wounds? Have you been forgiven of your sins? Have you asked him?
Let’s say as an example you have a friend of family member that doesn’t know Jesus and they are dying…let’s say 6 weeks to live. Should your priority be health or salvation? It’s fine to pray for health.
What about you or me? Jesus I need you today. “I need you to send me some money for the electric bill”….maybe so.
What I really need though, is Him in everything in my life and Him healing everything about me so that I can be who he wants me to be.
Psalm 51:1-4 (King David)
[1] Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your steadfast love;
according to your abundant mercy
blot out my transgressions.
[2] Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
and cleanse me from my sin!
[3] For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is ever before me.
[4] Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you may be justified in your words
and blameless in your judgment.
If you’ve never confessed Jesus as Lord today. Please do.
If you have, but your faith is held back for some reason. You know He’s God but you don’t trust him with all your “stuff”
The hurts
The history
The past
He is telling them here in this little house in Capernaum that He (Jesus) can heal us. Not just of a physical issue, but of the deeper issues that we have.
But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”
Isaiah 44:22
[22] I have blotted out your transgressions like a cloud
and your sins like mist;
return to me, for I have redeemed you.
We aren’t hoping that God will forgive us. We know
Not “I can redeem you”
Not “I might redeem you”
Not “I will redeem you”
“I have redeemed you”
